oceansize27 - klonopin tapering

[oceansize27]

Hi All,

 

I'm in dire straits. Trying so hard to wean off of klonopin. Was at a high of 2 mgs for a month or so, after starting down this horrible road back in November of 2013 ("1 mg - as needed"). This eventually turned into 1-1.5 mgs "as needed" which was just about every day. Currently stuck at 1.25 mgs with too many physical and mental symptoms to list.

 

My first sign of tolerance - slight ringing in the ears - began in January 2015. The docs told me it was just stress. Had a complete breakdown in late May 2015 and was bumped up to 2 mgs of klonopin and also 25-then-50 mgs of zoloft. That's when the insomnia kicked in. Gradually weaned off the zoloft by mid-August, while also dropping back down to 1.5 mgs klonopin. Within a couple weeks I was down to 1.25 klonopin. Then back up to 1.35 for 6 weeks (symptoms got a little better), and now stuck at 1.25 for the past month and suffering miserably. Somehow still working, but barely, and only because I have a family to support. 

 

In summary: due to the improvement is sleep once Zoloft was removed, I likely tapered the klonopin too aggressively in the beginning. As mentioned above, I've been holding at 1.25 for a month now. Never really stable throughout the entire process. Working with a compounding pharmacy to provide 3 equal doses per day. Not sure what to do, other than hold at this dose, pray for some stability, and then start reducing *very* gradually. Others have mentioned a crossover to valium (Ashton method), thinking that perhaps klonopin is just too difficult for my body and brain to heal from.

 

Stuck and miserable and afraid.

[nz11]

Hi and welcome Oceansize27,

 

late May 2015 ..... 25-then-50 mgs of zoloft. That's when the insomnia kicked in. Gradually weaned off the zoloft by mid-August,

 

Sorry you are in this difficult position.

 

Im just thinking part of this could be due perhaps to the taper off zoloft ..you did not specify how you did it ...you may well have come off zoloft too fast and that could also be a major player in this.

Dependence is generally established by a month (possibly sooner) and you took it for 2 months ? prior to getting off  at a ?? rate of taper.

 

Wishing you strength.

[Altostrata]

Welcome, oceansize.

 

It sounds like Zoloft was too activating for you, it gave you insomnia, now you're dependent on Klonopin.

 

Given you only recently went off Zoloft, too many drug changes are too much for your nervous system. I would hold on tapering the Klonopin.

 

Please go to http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/forum/29-members-only-benzo-tapering-discussion/for benzo questions.
 

[KarenB]

Hello Oceansize,

 

I'm so sorry to hear how hard things are for you right now - and I'm so glad you've found this site.  Just wanted to reassure you that now you've started looking at what is going wrong and are getting help and advise, things will start to improve.  It's a scary time for you I know, and we've all been in and through that place.  The mods will help you make a good plan to help you get stabilised, and then you'll be able to begin a gentle taper.  

 

It might take another few weeks or a month for you to stabilise, because all your drug and dose changes have increased your sensitivity generally.  

 

I'm not experienced enough to know if a very small reinstatement would help - one of the mods will know.

 

In the mean time you could have a look at http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1112-non-drug-techniques-to-cope-with-emotional-symptoms/ for ideas about how to take care of yourself during this time. 

 

You'll get through this,

Hugs,

KarenB

[JanCarol]

Hey Oceansize - I agree with NZ and Alto - I think you are still suffering from Zoloft withdrawal.  It can knock you around for months, even if you were only on it a short time.

 

What the doctors tell us about these drugs is very different from the reality of them.  They say things like, "cut to half for 2 weeks, then quit" or "you've been on it a short time, you can just go off" or "take it every other day for 2 weeks, then every 3rd day for 2 weeks, then quit"  ALL of these are recipes for a difficult time with the drug.  Sure, some people walk away with no reaction - but wouldn't you rather be in control of your symptoms, rather than them in control of you?  That is why we taper.

 

What was your last dose of Zoloft?  What was your tapering schedule?  How often did you taper, and by how much?  When was your last dose of zoloft?

 

The klonopin may have actually made the zoloft taper easier.  Coming off of the klonopin now might give you a double whammy.  I agree with Alto, that it would be a good idea to hold and stabilize before making any further changes.

 

see:  3 KIS's Keep It Simple, Slow, Stable